(April 5, 2013) – As warmer temperatures bring blooms onto Maryland’s native plants and trees, they also bring an increase in traffic volumes on Maryland’s highways.  With construction projects resuming, fans are going in droves to Orioles and Nationals games, students returning to school following spring break and cyclists taking to roads and trails, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) and Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and the Maryland State Police (MSP) remind everyone to obey the rules of the road and to drive and bike responsibly.

“The safety of everyone on the roads is our highest concern 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we count on each driver and cyclist to do their part in keeping roads safe by knowing and obeying traffic laws and demonstrating courtesy in their motoring habits.”

The partnership between MSP, SHA and MVA is vital as they work together to educate motorists on the rules of the road in an effort to reduce fatalities on Maryland roads to zero. Traffic crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for Maryland residents.  In addition, many thousands of people across Maryland suffered injuries, and the overall economic impact of crashes measures in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

“It is vital for all motorists to be fully aware of the increase in vehicles and pedestrians on the roads as the weather gets warm,” said Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent, Maryland State Police.  “Drivers are reminded to obey the speed limits, not to drink and drive, avoid distractions, always wear seatbelts and make sure children are in their safety seats.”

New drivers can be especially susceptible to distracted driving and are urged to make their vehicle a no phone zone. Whether driving, biking or walking, by following the rules of the road, we can all safely enjoy the return to warm weather.

“In Maryland, aggressive driving, especially speeding, is a real threat on our roadways. Speeding contributes to 40 percent of aggressive driving fatalities,” said Maryland MVA Administrator and Governor Martin O’Malley’s Highway Safety Representative John T. Kuo.  “I caution all drivers as the weather improves to slow down, buckle up and to drive responsibly.  We’re all working Toward Zero Deaths in Maryland because every life counts.”

SAFE DRIVING TIPS:

 

• Remember the rules of the road – B-SAFE! Buckle Up. Slow down. Always drive sober. Focus. Everyone shares the road, and everyone get home.

• Plan ahead – Sign up for MD511 to learn about travel delays and construction activity along State routes.

• No texting while driving.

• Be sure to use a hands-free device when using a mobile phone.

• Look for orange and lime coloring, which signifies work zones. Now that spring is here, many highway, public works and utility crews are working in and along roads and intersections. Remain alert for trucks and other equipment, and especially those entering and exiting driveways.

• Perform vehicle safety checks. Check the tire pressure and ensure that the proper fluids of the engine are maintained.
 
For more information on highway, bicycle and pedestrian safety, please visit the Maryland Department of Transportation’s safety page at: http://1.usa.gov/10zMfX4.

 

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